Code as a Canvas

  • Where creativity meets code
  • Coding as a form of self-expression, breaking from the rigid ideas of pure functionality

 

What if code wasn’t just about solving problems, but expressing who you are?

 

Code as a Canvas is a celebration of how coding can serve as a form of self-expression, where logic meets imagination and functionality gives way to emotion. Whether you’re designing a beautiful user interface, building a rich interactive experience, or creating a tool that reflects your identity, this hackathon is your blank canvas.

 

We’re breaking away from the rigid notion that code must always be practical. Here, your code can be whimsical, emotional, reflective, and, most importantly, yours.

 

Bring your ideas to life through:

  • Visual design with no-code tools

  • Creative coding that tells a story or stirs emotion

  • Functional apps that are expressive, immersive, and personal

Let your creativity run wild.

No idea is too weird. No colour is too bright. No emotion is too much.

This is your space.

This is your canvas.

Requirements

Tracks

note: all tracks revolve around the central idea of self-expression - using technology not just to build, but to express who you are, what you feel, and what you believe.

 

1. Design

- For the dreamers, doodlers and detail lovers

- Create stunning ui/ux mockups, wireframes, or prototypes, no coding required

- This track is dedicated to visual storytelling, user experience, and thoughtful design

→ Figma, whimsical, canva, pen on paper sketches

 

  • this is the no-code track ideal for beginners

  • Participants of this track will design beautiful ui/ux designs, mockups using a design tool (eg, figma, canva)

Example projects:

  • Design a journaling app to promote mental well-being and self-awareness

  • Eesign a fun music-making app

 

2. Code as a form of expression

- Where form meets function.

- Build something beautiful and/or usable, whether it’s a website, app, or digital tool

- This track encourages you to incorporate front-end flair with back-end expertise, combining code and design

→ Web apps, creative tools, animations, anything that does and delights

 

  • using code as a way to express yourself, and who you are, code as a form of art

  • strays from the generic idea that code always has to be functional

  • focus on experience (and maybe functionality)

Example projects:

  • Interactive poems

  • Sketches that react to the user’s voice

  • A personal portfolio that screams you

 

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Submission Requirements

  • Video demo, individuals or up to a team of 4

  • Reflection/project experience form

  • Github repo/figma/canva or any showcase/project link

  • Filling in a google form that asks you a few reflection questions

    • Description of this platform + key features

    • What future iterations are you planning to have?

    • What challenges did you face

    • Etc, bc context is always helpful anyway

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

4 non-cash prizes
1st Place (Both Tracks)
2 winners

Brilliant: Annual premium subscription
Figma: Swag
Momen: $2000 credits
Crackd: 3 Months Premium
Gen.xyz: Free .xyz domain for 1st year

Runners-up (Both Tracks)
2 winners

Brilliant: Annual premium subscription
Figma: Swag
Momen: $2000 credits
Crackd: 3 Months Pro
Gen.xyz: Free .xyz domain for 1st year

2nd Runners-up (Both Tracks)
2 winners

Brilliant: Annual premium subscription
Figma: Swag
Momen: $2000 credits
Crackd: 1 Month Pro
Gen.xyz: Free .xyz domain for 1st year

Participants
12 winners

Interview Cake - First 50 participants get full access licenses
Brilliant - 30-day free trial + 20% off a premium subscription
Momen - $100 credits

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Rachel M.

Areej M.

Aashna D.

Jessica U.

Jessica U.

Hana G.

Praneetha K.

Praneetha K.

Tim D.

Naga Deepak P.

Judging Criteria

  • visual design (5)
    overall look of the project should be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, featuring a clear colour scheme, appropriate typography and a well structured layout.
  • user experience (5)
    evaluates how user-friendly the design is, considering accessibility and ease of navigation. the design should be intuitive and straightforward for users.
  • creativity (5)
    measures the innovation and originality of the design. the solution should be imaginative yet realistic so that it can be achievable with the necessary resources.
  • uniqueness (5)
    the project should present a unique approach to addressing the identified problem, highlighting how it stands out.
  • relevance (5)
    determines how well the design aligns with the given theme, demonstrating clear and explicit connections between the design elements and the theme.
  • technical (5) *code only
    assesses the quality, complexity and sophistication of the code used, including use of well-structured code, efficient coding practices that reflect the developer’s knowledge.

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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